Archers Down Under
Mon, 19th Mar 18Over the past few weeks and months, there have been many current and former Archers selected for the Commonwealth Games in Australia starting on the 8th April. Huge congratulations to all selected to compete or coach at the Games for their nations, all the team are proud to watch you at such a fantastic event. The Athletics track and field events take place at the Carrara Stadium in Queensland from 8th-14th and the Marathon taking place at Southport Broadwater Parklands on the 15th April.
Before the Games commences a short profile on these coaches/athletes, with some of their achievements will help you spot our Archers on the Big Screen. Using the picture above as an order for each.
Top Row, Left; Jonathan Hopkins is competing for Wales in the 3000m Steeplechase, Triple BUCS Outdoor 3000m Steeplechase Champion and Two-Time BUCS Indoor Bronze medalist in 3000m.
Top Row, Second Left; Morgan Jones is competing for Wales in the T47 100m, is a Triple BUCS Indoors champion in the 60m and BUCS Indoors Long Jump Bronze Medalist this year.
Top Row, Third Left; Joesph Reid is competing for Isle of Man in the 800m, BUCS Indoor Bronze Medalist, BUCS Outdoors Bronze both in the 400m but has recently changed events to 800m in the Summer of 2017 and has really found form.
Top Row, Fourth from Left; Joshua Griffiths is competing for Wales in the Marathon, British Marathon Champion, 5th place BUCS Outdoors 10,000m, previously been Welsh 5,000m Champion.
Top Row, Middle; Tom Marshall is competing for Wales in the 1500m, Current Welsh 1k Record Holder, Current Welsh Indoor 800m Champion, BUCS Indoors 3000m 6th place when a student at the university, BUCS Outdoors 10,00m 5th place and BUCS Indoors 1500m 5th.
Top Row, Fourth from Right; Rebecca Chapman is competing for Wales in the Long Jump, Welsh Indoor and Outdoor Champion last year, an array of BUCS indoors and outdoor medals for the university, which includes a Gold, Three silvers and three bronze’s individually for the university. Current APT Lecturer at the University and Cardiff Archers Coach.
Top Row, Third from Right; James Thie is the Coach for Welsh Endurance Squad. Director of Athletics and Lecturer for University. Competed in the both the 2006 and 2010 Commonwealth Games coming 9th ,World Masters Champion in 800m,1500m and 3000m in 2014. Himself a former student and a triple BUCS Indoor Champion, two-time 1500m and a 3000m success. As well as 4th in IAAF World Indoor Championships (2004) plus 6th (2005) and 9th (2007) at the European indoors Championships.
Top Row, Second from Right; Darrell Maynard Coach for Caryl Granville and a whole host of Cardiff Met students. himself has multiple British and Scottish masters titles in the 200 and 400m events.
Top Row, Right; Scott Simpson who is Head of Performance for Welsh Athletics, Coach for Welsh Pole Vault Athlete Sally Peake. Going to her Third Commonwealth Games, achieving Silver at the last games. Former student as an athlete also had much success, Tw0-time Welsh Senior Pole Vault Champion, Welsh and BUCS Indoor Champion in 2005 including the BUCS Outdoor Champion to a stellar year. Other medals for the university included, BUCS Outdoor Silver, bronze and an indoor silver. Also was 6th himself in the Commonwealth Games.
Bottom, Left; James Ledger is competing in the T12 100m for Wales, the former student is a Triple Aviva parrell success champion and is a multiple london disability athletis medalist. Recently ran an indoor 60m personal best at the welsh senior championships, on the university track.
Bottom, Second from Left; Ieuan Thomas is competing for Wales in 3000m Steeplechase, Current Welsh Indoor 1500m Champion, A two-time Welsh 5k Champion and British Athletics Championships Bronze 3000m Steeplechase last year. As a student claimed BUCS Indoor 1500m Bronze in 2010.
Bottom, Third from Left; Curtis Matthews is competing for Wales in the Decathlon and his Second Games, achievements include North & South of England Decathlon Champion, England Senior Champion, 10th at Commonwealth Games in 2014.
Bottom, Middle; Dai Greene is competing for Wales in the 400m Hurdles in his third Commonwealth Games. Commonwealth Games Champion in 2010, also European Champion that year, at London 2012 Olympic Games claimed 4th place 400m Hurdles and 4x400m Relay. the former student won BUCS Outdoor Gold 400m Hurdles in 2006 and 400m in 2007, improving on his Silver in 2005.
Bottom, Fourth from Right; Charlotte Wingfield is competing for Malta in the 100 and 200m, Current Maltese Record Holder for 60m indoors, 200m indoors and 100/200m. Two-time Games of the Small States of Europe Champion in both 100m and 200m. Competed in World Championships London last year and is a four-time BUCS outdoor silver medalist individually, with 200m in 2015, 2017 and 100m 2015, 2016.
Bottom, Third from Right; Adrian Palmer coach for Carys Parry at the Games. Coach to many university students in throws of shot putt and hammer, seen regularly in NIAC helping with APT throws sessions for students.
Bottom, Second from Right; Niel Wheeler on of the Team managers for Wales, is a former student at the university. Sprints coach for the university, helps athletes progress in events such as 60-200m.
Bottom, Right; Laurie Needham is a PhD student at the university and coach to Rebecca Chapman in the long jump. Himself a former athlete competing in the Pole Vault, BUCS bronze medalist. also coach to many at the university.
Huge success for the current and former students to be involved in such a prestigious games, we wish you all the best and hope you achieve everything you set out to do at the games.